EPIDERMIS

 

The epidermis is the outer layer of the scalp and it is a tissue made up mainly of keratinocytes, with time the cells become saturated with a strong waterproof protein: keratin. Each part of our body has different degrees of thickness, for example, the palms of our hands and soles of our feet are pressure points and, as a consequence, their epidermal layer is very thick.

 

The epidermis is made up of 5 layers:

 

• Stratum Corneum

• Stratum Lucidum

• Stratum Granulosum

• Stratum Spinosum

• Stratum Basale (Germinative)

 

Each of these layers represents a different state of cellular maturity, which all originate in the stratum basale. The stratum basale is the first of the 5 layers and it is here that cellular production takes place. After production the cells are forced upwards by other cells found in lower layers, as they move they become keratinized and finally reach the most external layer, here they form the Stratum Corneum and help protect the skin.

 

As the skin produces new cells, the old ones are eliminated after 28 days. The eliminated cells are called “DESQUAMATION”. This process, known as celullar turnover, takes place all the time. It takes 4 weeks before the cells in the STRATUM BASALE reach the STRATUM CORNEUM. The thickness of the EPIDERMIS is 0.1 mm (the same as that of a sheet of paper).

 

 

THE DERMIS

 

The Derimis is a connective tissue, its thickness varies and it is found immediately beneath the epidermis; it contains numerous structures, these are; blood vessels, many cells, sudoriferous glands, pilosebaceous follicles and nerve endings, which react to pressure, changes in temperature and to pain. CVollagen and elastin fibre are the principal components of the dermis and these guarantee skin resistance, suppleness and elasticity.